How community initiatives shaping green tourism in Da Nang
DNO - An increasing number of individuals and organizations are persistently inspiring and spreading environmental protection initiatives, with the aim to promote a green and sustainable tourism environment.
Among the outstanding individuals is Ms. Vu Hong Thanh, a tour guide and the pioneering founder of the "Da Nang Zero Waste Community".
Over the past four years, Ms. Thanh has not only introduced tourists to the natural beauty, people, culture, and history of Da Nang, but also skillfully integrated environmental protection activities into travel itineraries.
In her tours, she encourages tourists to take part in practical activities such as collecting and sorting waste in public areas, along riverbanks and coastline. These “action-oriented tourism” experiences not only help tourists better understand their responsibility to protect the environment but also leave beautiful and meaningful impressions of a green, friendly destination.
With her enduring contributions to the community, Ms. Vu Hong Thanh has become one of four exemplary individuals honored by Japan’s 7 Bridges Brewing Co. on the labels of a special-edition beer series. The purpose is to share positive stories about the community engagement and environment protection to a wider audience of visitors.
Alongside such pioneering individuals, tourism businesses are also increasingly laying greater emphasis on environmental responsibility.
Ms. Alison, a Canadian national who has chosen Hoi An as her home for nearly a decade, has developed the Refillables model at the Thanh Dong Vegetable Garden, Hoi An Tay Ward, where guests and locals can reuse bottles, exchange waste for gifts, and shop in a green lifestyle.
Encouraging the use of personal containers, recycling plastic products, and opting for recycled goods has gradually become a habit, helping to reduce waste from everyday activities.
Sharing her journey, Ms. Alison said “I clearly feel the positive change when people around me start reusing plastic products, and farmers learn to utilize agricultural waste to create nutrients for crops and daily life. When the community improves, the environment becomes greener and cleaner, and both people and businesses benefit from tourism”.
Along with pioneers such as Ms. Vu Hong Thanh and Ms. Alison, a growing number of tourism businesses are also taking action, viewing environmentally friendly business practices not only as a social responsibility but also as a sustainable competitive advantage.
According to preliminary statistics, Da Nang currently has nearly 100 units and enterprises certified under the Green Tourism Criteria, and awarded the Green Tourism label. They are also committed to reducing single-use plastics and participating in the Zero Plastic Waste program.
Beyond small-scale initiatives, many major tourism brands in Da Nang are also joining hands to conserve nature in their own ways, from reducing plastic and saving energy to participating in ecosystem restoration activities.
These efforts not only contribute to environmental protection but also enhance the quality of the experience, attracting more conscious and responsible tourists.